Commission on Paraoptometric Certification Announces NEW Optometric Coding and Billing Certification

Would you like to improve the quality of your coding staff?  Are you concerned about audits?  Did your office contribute to the ^*15.7% optometry error rate for improperly coded claims?  A certified optometric coder is the first line of defense against non-compliance and improper coding for the provider. 

The AOA Commission on Paraoptometric Certification will be launching an Optometric Coding and Billing Certification examination in early January.  Certification demonstrates a dedication to quality and the highest standards for managing confidential healthcare information. In addition, it presents solid evidence to employers that an employee has been trained and has been tested to implement best practices that in turn advance and protect your practice.  Employing certified coders is prudent particularly due to the government's focus to spot, decrease, and, fine or prosecute fraudulent claims. 

Certified coders can help your practice maintain compliance with state and federal laws, add credibility to your practice, achieve better cash flow, and avoid financial struggles.  Certification can help ensure that whoever does the coding in your office is well-trained and up-to-date on the principles of CPT, ICD-9 and HCPCS coding.

The examination will include nine subjects including CPT, ICD-9, HCPCS, HIPAA, Codes for Optometry, Medical Records, Claim Filing, and of course Compliance.  Other subject matter that will be included is an Introduction and History of Coding, Anatomy and Physiology, and Terminology.

For additional information, please contact dmleuschke@aoa.org.

*Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services